Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise sailing from Mahebourg

The best part of this 7-hour catamaran trip is the variety packed into one day. You sail from Pointe Jérôme toward Ile aux Cerfs, stop for snorkeling at Eau Bleu, visit the Grand River South East Waterfall, and finish with time around one of Mauritius’s best-known beach islands.

I like the mix of sea time and nature stops, and I like that lunch, snacks, and drinks are included rather than left to chance. The main drawback is the meeting point. One recent booking found it poorly marked, with no clear sign for this particular cruise until a staff member arrived shortly before departure.

Key points to know

• Pointe Jérôme departure: Be ready for the 9:00 a.m. start at the embarkation point in Mahebourg’s southeast.
• Three different settings: The day includes open water, snorkeling at Eau Bleu, the Grand River South East Waterfall, and Ile aux Cerfs.
• Meals are covered: Snacks, lunch, and drinks are included in the tour price.
• A lively crew, limited commentary: The onboard team is described as friendly and hardworking, while the skipper may offer little explanation during the ride.
• Hotel transfers cost extra: Pickup and drop-off are not included, though they can be arranged for an additional fee.
• Flexible booking: You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund and reserve without paying immediately.

Setting Out from Pointe Jérôme at 9:00 a.m.

Your day begins at Pointe Jérôme, where the catamaran leaves at 9:00 a.m. This is not a hotel pickup tour by default, so you need to arrange your own way to the meeting point unless you pay extra for a transfer.

The practical issue is finding the right boat. A recent booking found no sign identifying this particular excursion, while other operators had clear notices. A woman with a passenger list appeared about 10 minutes before departure and confirmed who belonged on which boat. That worked, but it left little room for error.

I would arrive early and ask directly for the crew from VACANCES OH SOLEIL. Look for staff in uniform at the embarkation point, but do not assume the boat will be clearly labeled. If you are using a GPS pin, allow extra time to check that you are in the correct place.

Once aboard, the day has a simple rhythm: sail, stop for water activities and sightseeing, eat, then return to Pointe Jérôme at about 4:00 p.m. The total time is long enough to feel like a full outing, but it does not require planning several separate excursions.

Snorkeling at Eau Bleu

The first major stop is snorkeling at Eau Bleu. The tour description highlights the changing colors of the ocean and the clear natural setting, making this the part of the day to pack a swimsuit and bring your interest in the water.

Snorkeling conditions can vary, and the available information does not specify the exact duration, equipment arrangements, or the type of marine life you will see. You should therefore treat this as a scenic swimming and snorkeling stop rather than a specialist reef excursion.

Still, its place in the program makes sense. You get a chance to leave the boat and enjoy the water before spending more time looking at Mauritius from the sea. If snorkeling is important to you, ask the crew at the start of the day how much time will be available at Eau Bleu.

The catamaran setting helps here. You are not simply being transported to the island by road. The water is part of the experience, with views toward the coast and mountains during the journey between stops.

The Grand River South East Waterfall

The Grand River South East Waterfall adds a completely different scene. The tour includes a visit to this waterfall after the snorkeling stop, giving you a short change from open ocean and beach scenery.

The waterfall is described as splendid, with views over the sea and mountains adding to the appeal. The information does not specify whether you leave the catamaran, transfer to another boat, or view the waterfall from the water, so you should ask the crew if the exact approach matters to you.

This stop is valuable because it keeps the day from becoming a simple beach transfer. Ile aux Cerfs is the headline attraction, but the waterfall gives the outing more range. You see green surroundings, water, and mountain views in one route.

The skipper’s commentary may be light. One booking found the skipper rather quiet and wished for more explanation about the sights visible from the boat. That is worth noting if you want a guided nature lesson. You will likely get better value from the cruise if you are happy to enjoy the views without a running narration.

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main destination, known for its sandy beach and attractive water. The island is presented as a must-see nature stop, with a green and blue setting that suits a relaxed break after the morning’s sailing and snorkeling.

The tour information does not give a precise amount of free time on the island, nor does it list optional activities or facilities. That means you should not book this trip expecting a detailed schedule of island attractions. The confirmed promise is the visit itself, along with the catamaran journey, food, drinks, snorkeling, and waterfall stop.

For you, the appeal is the easy combination. You do not have to choose between a boat trip and Ile aux Cerfs. Both are included in one outing, along with the Grand River South East Waterfall. That can be a good use of a full day in Mauritius, especially if you want scenery more than a tightly scripted tour.

The island stop may suit couples, families, and anyone who wants a scenic beach day without arranging several boats and meals independently. If you need long, quiet time on the sand, check the schedule before booking, since the day includes several stops and a fixed return at around 4:00 p.m.

Lunch, Snacks, and the Crew

Food is one of the practical strengths of this excursion. Snacks, lunch, and drinks are included, so you do not need to budget separately for a meal during the seven-hour outing.

The available details do not name the menu, and they do not provide information about vegetarian, vegan, allergy-friendly, or religious dietary choices. If you have dietary needs, ask before paying or contact the provider in advance. The advertised food should not be treated as a guaranteed fit for every diet.

Service appears to be an important part of the day. One booking specifically found the crew very friendly, attentive, and hardworking as they served food and drinks. That is useful context because a long boat trip can feel quite different when the staff are active and welcoming.

The skipper may be less conversational. If you want facts about the waterfall, coastline, or mountain views, ask questions rather than waiting for a detailed talk. The guide language options include English, French, Hindi, Urdu, and Arabic, but the specific guide assigned to your departure is not named.

The 4:00 p.m. Return to Pointe Jérôme

The catamaran is scheduled back at Pointe Jérôme at 4:00 p.m. That fixed end time helps you plan the rest of the day, though you should leave some flexibility around the return because boat schedules can be affected by conditions on the water.

The timing also makes this a substantial outing rather than a quick cruise. You leave in the morning and spend most of the day moving between the sea, Eau Bleu, the waterfall, and Ile aux Cerfs.

If you are arranging an evening meal, onward transport, or another activity, do not schedule it too tightly. The tour is advertised as seven hours, but the only stated return time is approximately 4:00 p.m. Hotel drop-off is not included, so your transport arrangements after returning to Pointe Jérôme are your responsibility unless you pay for an added transfer.

Is the $101 Price Good Value?

At $101 per person, this cruise is not the cheapest way to reach a beach. The value comes from combining several separate pieces into one day: the catamaran ride, snorkeling, the Grand River South East Waterfall, Ile aux Cerfs, lunch, snacks, drinks, and crew support.

If you arranged a boat trip, a waterfall visit, a snorkeling stop, and food separately, costs could add up quickly. You also would have to coordinate the timing. Here, the route is planned for you, which is useful if you prefer a straightforward day on the water.

The price is less compelling if you only want a few hours on Ile aux Cerfs or if you already have access to a cheaper boat transfer. It is also worth considering the missing hotel transport. Since pickup and drop-off cost extra, add that fee before comparing the total price with other excursions.

The strongest value is for someone who wants a full nature day rather than a basic island transfer. The friendly service and included refreshments add comfort, while the lack of detailed commentary may matter to anyone seeking a highly educational tour.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you like moving through several settings in one day. You get sea views, a snorkeling stop, a waterfall, a beach island, food, and a return boat ride without having to arrange each part yourself.

It is a good match for:

• Nature lovers who want more than a beach stop
• Visitors who enjoy spending time on the water
• Couples and families looking for a full-day outing
• Anyone who values included lunch, snacks, and drinks
• People comfortable with a relaxed tour where the skipper may not provide constant commentary
• Those who can reach Pointe Jérôme early and manage their own transport

I would think twice if clear signs, exact meeting instructions, or detailed guiding are especially important to you. The unclear departure point is the one concrete weakness in the available feedback, and the quiet skipper may disappoint if you want a narrated sightseeing cruise.

The tour is also not ideal for anyone needing confirmed dietary arrangements unless those are checked in advance. The menu is not specified, and the tour does not promise special meals.

Booking Advice Before You Go

Use the free cancellation policy as a practical safety net. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without immediate payment.

For the smoothest start, plan to arrive well before 9:00 a.m. At Pointe Jérôme, find the uniformed crew and confirm the boat name or passenger list. Do not wait until the last few minutes, since the meeting point may not have a clear sign for this excursion.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. They can be arranged for an extra charge, so ask about the cost before booking if you do not already have transport to and from Pointe Jérôme.

Also check the language and meal details if they affect your decision. English, French, Hindi, Urdu, and Arabic are listed as guide languages, but individual guide names are not provided. The tour includes food and drinks, but no menu details are given.

Should You Book the Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise?

Book it if you want a busy but easy full-day outing that combines Ile aux Cerfs with snorkeling, a waterfall, lunch, snacks, drinks, and a catamaran ride. The crew service appears to be a real strength, and the route gives you more variety than a simple beach transfer.

Skip it if you want a quiet, highly informative cruise, a guaranteed hotel transfer, or detailed instructions at the meeting point. At $101, the tour makes the most sense when you value the complete package and plan to enjoy the day as a mix of scenery, swimming, food, and island time.

FAQ

Where does the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Pointe Jérôme in the southeast of Mauritius.

What time does the tour leave?

Departure is scheduled for 9:00 a.m.

What time does the catamaran return?

The planned return to Pointe Jérôme is at about 4:00 p.m.

How long is the experience?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes snorkeling at Eau Bleu, the Grand River South East Waterfall, and Ile aux Cerfs.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Snacks, lunch, and drinks are included in the tour.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but they can be arranged for an additional charge.

What languages are available for the guide?

The listed guide languages are English, French, Hindi, Urdu, and Arabic.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.